Goji berries are enjoying a surge in popularity within the health food industry, but have been known as an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine for over 6,000 years. The herbalists of China and Tibet had used the berries to help eyesight, protect the liver, boost the immune system, increase circulation, and a host of other benefits. Research today has given insight into the goji berry's health properties. The berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids, including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin in particular protects the eye as an antioxidant and light-filtering entity. It may also decrease the risk of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause blindness in people over the age of sixty-five. Studies have shown that goji berry extracts may also reduce blood glucose and lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, a Chinese study in 1994 found that patients responded better to cancer treatments when goji was added to their drug regimen. From a dietary perspective, goji berries contain a good source of carbohydrates, protein, fat and dietary fiber. Goji berries also contain many essential nutrients and minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, vitamin C, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, vitamin B2, selenium, and several amino acids. Not bad for such a delicate, small red berry.
If you have read all the hype about goji berries then you might just wonder if this berry is for real or not. The facts are the facts. Goji berries are a very nutritionally dense fruit, which is beneficial in many different ways. It contains many amino acids and minerals that our bodies need but cannot produce on their own. It also is very high in antioxidants, which have been said to help reduce free radicals in the body that attack our immune systems. Plus add to that with the amount of vitamins and also essential fatty acids and this berry commands attention. Now some of the things that companies say about this berry may not be true, but don’t miss out on this unique fruit because of some bad apples. Be sure and at least try it once and see the results for your self.
Have you watched the news, read a newspaper, gone to yahoo.com, or listened to the radio? If you answered yes then you have heard about what they are calling "an economic crisis". It is almost impossible to get away from it. Some talk about how we will end up in a depression while others say that we are already in one. So with all this bad news all around us 24 hours a day it is no wonder one out of four Americans suffer from Depression, it would be hard not to when you are feed so much bad new on a regular basis.
Depression and Stress that comes from emotional sources can be calmed by the mood elevating properties of Gogi berries. Physical stressors are often related to injury and illness. Gogi berries have amazing abilities to help people fight both kinds of problems. If you are going through a major life change, such as a death, divorce, or job loss, or the economy stress can really get you down. Even the seemingly small stressors can leave you feeling overcome with fear and anxiety. Eating Gogi berries or drinking Gogi juice can bring you relief and contentment.
Usual dosage level: 3 oz. immediately before meals
The Mongolian Institute of Traditional Medicine reported that goji has been used in the treatment of atrophic gastritis, which is defined as weakened digestion due to reduced stomach activity. Patients consumed 10 grams of the whole fruits each time, three times daily before meals for two months and longer with excellent results.
